Arlene Violet Birkhahn

Arlene Violet Birkhahn, nee Schroeder, age 93, of Oak Brook. Beloved wife of the late George Birkhahn; devoted mother of Kurt (Christienne) Birkhahn; dear grandmother of Kade Birkhahn; sister of the late Norman (the late Peggy) Schroeder; aunt of Craig Schroeder. Arlene passed away peacefully, at home, with her son at her side.

Arlene grew up in LaGrange Park. After graduation from Lyons Township High School, she attended Kalamazoo college and then graduated from Western Michigan University. She was a Brookfield grade schoolteacher for several years until switching her undivided attention to raising her son and home making.

Arlene was a lifelong member of St. John’s in LaGrange. She was baptized, attended grade school, was confirmed, and was married to George there. As a youth she was part of the Walther League. As an adult she taught Sunday School and volunteered her services to many church activities and events such as fellowship dinners and the annual summer picnic.

Arlene was an active community member, participating in, and sometimes leading various civic clubs and communities such as the Oak Brook Historical Society, the Garden Club, the League of Women Voters, the National Federation of Republican Women, and several charitable organizations.

Later in life Arlene was a diligent caregiver for her parents, Walter and Esther, who lived to the ages of 99 and 101 respectively. She was well known for her kind heart, and for always striving to help others. She had the ability to see the goodness in anyone and everyone. She was loved and will be dearly missed.

Visitation Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10:30 AM to time of Service at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church, 505 S. Park Rd, La Grange, IL 60525.

Interment St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Hodgkins.

Memorials appreciated to St. John's Lutheran Church. 

Arrangements entrusted to Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

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